As we kick-off 2021 with increasing vaccine roll outs and optimism for a COVID-19 endgame on the horizon, what better way to safely welcome the new year than with a much-deserved glass of a snazzy sparkling drink or a warm marshmallow-topped mug in hand.

Whether you’re jones-ing for cozy winter drink options – without risking any hang-overs — or you’re looking to prepare elevated drinks for the entire family to enjoy, check out these decadent, non-alcoholic drinks that taste just as terrific as the boozy version and (as a great bonus!) have liver-healthy ingredients—such antioxidant-rich chocolate, berries, ginger, and kombucha, to cite a few—making these perfectly safe to be on repeat this winter.

Let’s toast to hope and the promise of global healing this new year with these motley mocktails and decadent drinks.

Sparkling Cranberry Kombucha Mocktail (from https://therealfoodrds.com/)

INGREDIENTS

2 bottles kombucha of choice (such as ginger, cranberry, or ‘original/unflavored’)

1/2 cup 100% cranberry juice

1-inch slice of fresh ginger, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish

1 large sprig of fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish

Fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and thinly sliced ginger for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Fill four double old-fashioned glasses with ice and set aside.
2. In a pitcher or quart-sized mason jar, muddle sliced ginger and rosemary together using the end of a wooden spoon or a muddler (if you have one).
3. Add cranberry juice and kombucha, stir gently to combine.
4. Pour into ice-filled glasses (using a strainer, if necessary) and garnish with sprigs of rosemary, a slice of fresh ginger, and a few cranberries before serving.

White Chocolate Peppermint Mocktini (from https://thymeforcocktails.com/)

INGREDIENTS

3 ounces white hot chocolate

2 ounces peppermint mocha coffee creamer

White chocolate syrup

Crushed peppermints for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Dip edge of a chilled martini glass in white chocolate syrup, then dip in crushed peppermint. Repeat with additional glasses.
2. Add white hot chocolate and coffee cream to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake vigorously, strain into glasses and serve immediately.

Turmeric Eggnog (from https://teaspoonofspice.com)

INGREDIENTS

3 cups whole milk

1/4 cup granulated or coconut sugar

1 1/4 tsp ground turmeric

1/4 tsp freshly grated or ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt

4 eggs, separated

1 tsp vanilla extract

Nutmeg for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, turmeric, nutmeg and salt. Bring to a simmer and heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. While turmeric milk is heating, separate the yolks from the whites of the eggs into two separate bowls.
3. Whisk yolks and set aside.
4. Add egg whites to a mixing bowl and whip on high until soft peaks form. Place in refrigerator to chill.
5. Remove milk from saucepan and let cool in refrigerator for 10 minutes.
6. Whisk yolks into cooled milk and place back in refrigerator for 20 minutes or so.
7. Before serving, fold egg whites into chilled eggnog. Pour into mugs and serve with ground nutmeg on top.

Scandinavian Holiday Glögg (from https://www.thespruceeats.com/)

INGREDIENTS

4 cups water

1 cup brandy (or spiced rum)

Peel from 1 large orange (cut into large strips)

2 tbs whole cloves

2 tsp vanilla extract

10 cardamom pods

1 (1/2-inch) piece fresh ginger (peeled and slightly crushed)

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated)

4 sticks cinnamon

1 (750 mL) bottle dry red wine

1 cup vodka

2/3 cup brown sugar

Garnish: raisins

Garnish: almonds

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large pot, heat the water, brandy, and spices, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Stir in the wine, vodka, and sugar, and simmer for 1 minute.
3. Strain out the cloves and orange peel and decant the glögg, leaving the other spices behind.
4. Add raisins and almonds to each glass upon serving.

For unique and liver-healthy holiday recipe ideas, click here

To learn more about preventing live disease, check out our ADRLF blog

A gentle loving nudge: ADRLF would like to remind you to limit your indoor gatherings to those in your ‘pod’ with whom you’re already sheltering in place. Otherwise, be mindful when sipping with others and leave the toasting to 2021 to safe, outdoor, socially distanced settings.

Together with science, protocols, patience, respect, and savoring special moments, while still in quarantine, we can chart the path to the eradication of COVID-19. Cheers to a healthy future!